Winter-Proof Diesel Block Heaters for Generators
When temperatures drop below freezing across Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and especially frigid Midwest states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Dakota, diesel engines face serious risks. Cold starts strain batteries, wear down starters, and accelerate engine damage, shortening overall engine life. The result is unreliable generators, vehicle fleets, and backup power systems when dependable power matters most.
Power Systems Plus is based in Oregon and ships Hotstart block heaters nationwide via UPS and USPS. Our heaters help keep diesel generators and engines warm, protected, and ready for reliable starts during harsh winter conditions, from Midwest cold snaps to mountain freezes in the Cascades.
Browse our inventory to find an engine block heater that matches your generator’s specifications.
Why Your Diesel Generator Needs a Block Heater This Winter
From remote farms in Minnesota to industrial sites in Michigan, freezing temperatures can prevent diesel engines from starting when they are needed most. Block heaters warm engine coolant before startup, reducing cold-start wear and helping prevent fuel gelling during extreme winter conditions.
Block Heater Benefits:
Reliable starts in temperatures below -20°F
Extends engine and battery life
Prevents costly downtime during power outages
Reduces fuel gelling and cold-weather engine issues
Suitable for commercial generators, trucks, agricultural equipment, and more
What Size Block Heater Do You Need for Your Diesel Generator?
Not all generators are built the same and neither are block heaters. If you’re running standby power in a Midwest winter, choosing the right block heater depends on your engine size, generator type, and temperature extremes. Learn more about choosing the right block heater with our quick guide:
Small to Mid-Size Generators (10–50 kW)
Common brands: Generac, Kohler, Cummins, Briggs & Stratton
Engine examples: Perkins 404D, Kubota V2203, GM 4.3L, John Deere 3029
Recommended heater:
TPS Series (Thermosiphon): Efficient, low-maintenance solution for moderate cold
CL Series: Faster heat-up time, ideal for generators exposed to prolonged freezing conditions
Mid-Range Generators (60–150 kW)
Common brands: Cummins, MTU, Kohler, Katolight
Engine examples: John Deere 6068, Mitsubishi S6S, Ford 6.8L
Recommended heater:
CB Series: Compact forced circulation for consistent warm-up
CTM Series: Compact tank-style with powerful flow, great for enclosed gensets
Large Standby Generators (150–500+ kW)
Common brands: Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, Generac Industrial
Engine examples: Cummins QSX15, CAT C15/C18, Detroit Diesel Series 60
Recommended heater:
CSM Series: Heavy-duty, high-output coolant heater built for extreme cold
Available in 3kW to 6kW options for large engine blocks
Popular Standby Diesel Generators Commonly Equipped with Block Heaters
Diesel generators are essential in the Midwest, especially when winter storms knock out power. Below are some of the most commonly installed standby diesel generators we support with block heaters:
Cummins QuietConnect & PowerCommand Series
Generac Guardian & Protector Series
Kohler KD and RESA Series
MTU Onsite Energy Standby Generators
Caterpillar C-Series Standby Units
Briggs & Stratton Standby Generators
If you own any of these, we’ve likely shipped a heater for it and we’ll help you get the right one. Message us today!
Reliable Genearator Block Heater Shipping to the Coldest States in the USA
From Fargo to Flint and everywhere in between, we ship nationwide and throughout the Midwest, including:
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Michigan
North Dakota
Iowa
Illinois
Indiana
Ohio
We sell the most popular engine block heaters for generators in Portland, OR. We process and ship orders promptly. Lead times may apply, so please contact us before ordering to confirm availability.
Standard Lead Times by Engine Heater Model
Winter doesn’t wait, and neither do we. We stock critical Hotstart block heaters and maintain a small inventory on hand at our Oregon shop, while the rest ships directly from the manufacturer. Here’s what to expect for lead times by heater series:
Let us know what heater you need and your shipping address. We will contact the manufacturer directly to quote availability and shipping timelines.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Generator Block Heaters
Q: What size block heater do I need for my generator in cold states like Minnesota or Michigan?
A:
The right size block heater depends on three key factors:
Your diesel engine’s displacement (liters or cubic inches)
The lowest temperatures your area experiences (especially in places like Minnesota, North Dakota, or Wisconsin)
Whether your generator is enclosed, mobile, or permanently installed
For example, a 2.5L engine in Ohio might only need a 750-watt thermosiphon heater, while a 15L engine running in -20°F in North Dakota may require a 3,000-watt CSM series heater with forced circulation.
If you’re not sure, just send us your generator make and model—or even a photo of the engine tag. We’ll match you with the right Hotstart block heater based on what works best in Midwest winter conditions.
Q: Do you ship diesel generator block heaters to my state? (MN, WI, MI, ND, etc.)
A:
Yes! We ship nationwide, with fast delivery to all cold-weather states, including:
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Michigan
North Dakota
South Dakota
Iowa
Illinois
Indiana
Ohio
Whether you’re ordering a block heater for a Generac in Milwaukee, a Cummins generator in Grand Rapids, or a Caterpillar unit on a North Dakota farm, we’ve got you covered. All heaters are shipped from the U.S., with most orders processed within 1–2 business days.
Q: Can I install a diesel generator block heater myself in freezing weather?
A:
Some smaller Hotstart heaters—like the TPS or CL series—can be installed without specialized tools, especially if you’re replacing an existing unit. Many homeowners in Michigan and contractors in Iowa install these themselves in under an hour.
However, for larger generators (100 kW and up), or if you’re installing in sub-zero temperatures, we recommend professional installation, especially when working with CSM series heaters or units with tight access.
Don’t wait for a frozen engine to fail you in a Michigan whiteout or a North Dakota deep freeze.
Order your block heater now and be winter-ready.
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